Syracuse, NY--Upstate Medical University Saturday will award 423 degrees, the largest number since the school joined the State University system in 1950.

The degrees will go to graduates of the university's colleges of Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing.

The university's 176th commencement ceremony takes place at 4 p.m. at the Oncenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse.

Former U.S. Representative James Walsh, R-Onondaga, will speak at the graduation and receive an honorary doctor of Humane Letters degree.

The College of Medicine will award 146 degrees. The College of Health Professions will award 154 degrees. The College of Graduate Studies will award 30 degrees. The Colleges of Medicine and Graduate Studies will award six combined medical and doctorate degrees. The College of Nursing will award 87 degrees.

Receptions for each college will take place following the convocation ceremonies.